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COTTON USA-Sponsored Designer Shortlisted for Prestigious LVMH Prize

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COTTON USA is in the spotlight as Faustine Steinmetz, the latest recipient of COTTON USA’s highly coveted London Fashion Week (LFW) sponsorship, has been shortlisted for the prestigious LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize. Faustine put an innovative, modern spin on denim in her COTTON USA-sponsored collection. Along with seven others, Steinmetz was selected as a finalist from 26 talented brands that presented their collections during Paris Fashion Week.

"We are thrilled that Faustine has been selected as a finalist for a prestigious award such as the LVMH Prize for her Autumn-Winter 2015 collection,” Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, International Marketing Manager of COTTON USA, said. “Her modern touches to classic items and methodical attention to detail means her garments are fashion forward yet built to last, two qualities that mirror those of COTTON USA, and we could not be happier that we were able to help support her LFW journey.”

COTTON USA’s LFW sponsorship encourages new designers to showcase their talent and bring the vision for their collection to life through the versatility of U.S. cotton. Now entering its 12th year, the sponsorship program has been a valuable platform for budding designers to elevate their work. Former recipients of the COTTON USA sponsorship include Richard Nicholl, Meadham Kirchhoff, PPQ, Preen, Louise Gray, palmer//harding and Lucas Nascimento.

Launched in 2013, the LVMH Prize was created to reveal and support emerging talent in the world of fashion design, and each year, the award recognises a young designer and three graduates from fashion schools. The winner will receive a substantial grant, along with personalized technical and financial support from the LVMH Group (the Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy conglomerate) for 12 months. This support covers all the areas of expertise that are critical to a young fashion brand, including sourcing, production and distribution, advertising and marketing.

Steinmetz puts her own twist on iconic pieces by making each item in her collections by hand, including weaving her own fabric. Every garment is meticulously created, with the majority of her fabrics handwoven using a traditional handloom in her London studio. This attention to detail to create quality, long-lasting garments is just one of the merits that made Steinmetz a great fit for the COTTON USA sponsorship. All of Steinmetz’s pieces are made in accordance with her belief in craftsmanship over trend. She believes that industrial pieces can be created using artisanal techniques, and are just as worthy of hundreds of hours of attention as haute couture dresses.

The winner of the LVMH Prize will be decided on May 22, 2015. Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld and Raf Simons are just a few of the influential names from the world of fashion design who are set to judge the award.